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Review of the Hunter 33.5 by Steve Ostrander

Year built 1988  
Location of boat Grand Traverse Bay, MI  
The boat is sailed on The Great Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1998  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? No, I would buy a 336 but this boat was a bargain at half the cost of a 336 or 340.  
Gear that's been added 110v shore power battery charger, roller furling, dodger/cockpit awning  
Structural or complex improvements None so far  
The boat's best features Affordability, roominess, sails good in light air  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Some of the joinery has worked loose due to staples instead of screws (easily fixed) V-berth cushion covers came apart at the seams. 18 hp Yanmar is underpowered but very reliable. Main needs 2nd reef. Everyone complains about not having a fuel gage but you can open the lazarette and visually check the tank, and that type of gage will never fail.  
Sailing characterisitcs A tad tender in heavy air, therefore the need for a 2nd reef. Roller furling helps to reef the genny (my wife doesn't like to go forward for sail changes) Fast in light air. Very responsive. Main lays on spreaders when running downwind but not a big problem as I prefer to use genny anyway--less chance of accidental gybe.  
Motoring characterisitcs 18 hp Yanmar is underpowered. Very maneuverable in forward or reverse. I hate motoring.  
Liveability Very roomy for a 33' boat. Private v-cabin/head is nice and roomy. Had a 28.5 and its nice to have a head you can actually use. Tankage capacity is good.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) DNA  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Torresen Marine (Muskegon, MI) are great people to work with. Bought 3 boats and sold two there-- should tell you something.  
Other comments  

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